Special school pupils to get swine flu vaccine (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Special school pupils to get swine flu vaccine

2:35pm Tuesday 10th November 2009 in News By Claire Lomax

Coun Michael Kelly

A vaccination programme to give children at special schools early protection against the swine flu virus starts this week.

Children with long-term health problems are at particular risk of developing complications if they catch swine flu, so the parents of the 800 pupils at special schools across the Bradford district are being offered the chance to have their child vaccinated in school.

Special schools are helping to organise the sessions, run by nurses from Bradford and Airedale Community Health Services (BACHS). Letters have been sent to parents or guardians of pupils, asking for them to give consent to have their child vaccinated.

Children under ten will need a booster jab three weeks after their first vaccination. Children over ten will only need one dose, unless they are receiving treatment which will reduce their immune system.

Dr Anita Sims, public health director for Bradford and Airedale, said: “Parents can choose whether to have their child vaccinated at school or at their GP practice – the important thing is that these children get fast protection from swine flu."

Councillor Michael Kelly, Bradford Council’s executive member for services to children and young people, said: “The Council and health authorities have been working closely together in order to protect our most vulnerable children.”

During November, GPs in Bradford and Airedale will be inviting pregnant women and patients with existing health conditions who are eligible for the jab to a vaccination clinic.

For people with existing health conditions such as asthma and heart problems, the swine flu jab is an important way to significantly reduce their chances of getting the virus which can cause serious illness.